Mark Gerlach

2011 heartland hall of fame inductee

coach mark gerlach

This year the America’s Heartland Girls Softball Organization presidents John Nelson & Mike DeLoose & the rest of the Board, Coaches, Players & Parents are proud to induct our Fourth member into the Heartland Hall of Fame. The 2011 Inductee into the Heartland Hall of Fame is Coach Mark Gerlach of the Heartland Pulse.

Now we could sit here and talk about how “Coach G’s” teams were all winners, how they were not only feared by other teams, but respected. – We could talk about the Championships, the trips to Nationals….the success. But that’s not what is important to Heartland.

It wasn’t the highest priority to Coach Mark either. His work ethic that he taught the girls on & off the field is unmatched. Like the other Heartland coaches in the Heartland Hall of Fame, his impact on his player’s lives as human beings, competitors & future female leaders was at the forefront. He taught them to believe in themselves & their team-mates. He taught the girls to play hard & leave it all on the field. He taught them to respect themselves, each other & to respect the game. Most importantly, he taught them to have fun. He taught these virtues by example and through the game of softball.

He continues this today, still coaching softball @ Moline High School. By the way Coach….From the Heartland Girls Softball Organization, Congratulations on your 2011 Class 4A State Championship. He continues to teach by example. Hearing these things through my voice doesn’t do Coach Gerlach justice. So today we have a few people who are going to induct him & honor him with their voices.

I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award than Mark Gerlach. Mark’s coaching lessons were to leave it all on the field, trust in yourself and give it all you got. He taught me a true love and appreciation for the game! Through my successful college career and tough times, I always went back to these teachings whenever I started to doubt myself! My softball successes didn’t come from recognition or scholarships it came from Mark’s teachings of loving the game and giving it your all! Through that your true talents will show!

Thank you Mark for always believing in me. The things you have taught were so much more than softball lessons they were also life lessons I carry today! I am so proud and honored to have been able to play for you!

Congratulations! Oompha!

Tammy Howard-Whitaker

Alecia Gerlach Beadel honoring her coach & father with a speech

Induction was read by Heartland Havoc ’95 player Miranda Marion & Heartland Havoc ’96 player Alaina Hofmann who both played for “Coach G” at Moline High School.